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Current Affairs – August 31 2023
1. Mahendragiri, India’s New Warship, to be launched in Mumbai on September 1
India’s defence sector is poised to achieve a significant milestone as the country’s latest warship, Mahendragiri, is set to be launched on September 1 at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai.
The launch of Mahendragiri, the seventh and final stealth frigate of Project 17A, symbolizes the remarkable progress India has made in constructing a self-sufficient naval force.
2. Former CJI NV Ramana appointed as member of International Mediation Panel
Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V. Ramana has been appointed as member of the International Mediator Panel of Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC). Chairman of SIMC George Lim presented Justice Ramana the letter of appointment on Tuesday in Singapore.
The former CJI is in Singapore to take part in the “Singapore Convention Week”, the annual convention organised by Singapore’s Ministry of Law, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and over 20 partner organisations.
Justice Ramana met representatives of SIMC and four top Indian corporate majors Tata, Reliance, Mahindra and Aditya Birla groups, who came forward to sign ‘Declaration of Intent’ to support mediation at the initiative of Justice Ramana.
3. Geetika Srivastava becomes India’s First Woman Charge d’Affaires In Pakistan
Geetika Srivastava, currently serving as joint secretary at the headquarters of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), will be India’s new chargé d’affaires at its high commission in Islamabad, Pakistan.
She will succeed Suresh Kumar, who is likely to return to New Delhi. After 77 years of Independence, India has appointed a female head of mission in Pakistan.
4. Former CJI NV Ramana appointed as member of International Mediation Panel
Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V. Ramana has been appointed as member of the International Mediator Panel of Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC). Chairman of SIMC George Lim presented Justice Ramana the letter of appointment on Tuesday in Singapore.
The former CJI is in Singapore to take part in the “Singapore Convention Week”, the annual convention organised by Singapore’s Ministry of Law, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and over 20 partner organisations.
Justice Ramana met representatives of SIMC and four top Indian corporate majors Tata, Reliance, Mahindra and Aditya Birla groups, who came forward to sign ‘Declaration of Intent’ to support mediation at the initiative of Justice Ramana.
5. Bandhan Bank Authorized by RBI for Civil Pension Disbursement
In a significant development, Bandhan Bank has been granted authorization by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to serve as an authorized pension disbursement bank.
This authorization is in association with the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO), a part of the Ministry of Finance. The bank is set to collaborate closely with the CPAO to initiate and streamline the process of disbursing civil pensions.
6. World Sanskrit Day 2023 is observed on Aug 31
World Sanskrit Day, also referred to as International Sanskrit Day, Sanskrit Diwas and Vishwa Samskrita Dinam is observed on the day of Shravana Poornima in the Hindu calendar, which is also marked as Raksha Bandhan, which coincides with the moon.
This year we will be celebrating Sanskrit Diwas on Thursday, 31st August. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness and promote Sanskrit, one of Indias oldest languages.
Sanskrit holds importance as it serves as the foundation, for classical texts in disciplines such, as Literature, Philosophy, Mathematics and Science.
7. UN Biodiversity Advocates for Fungi Recognition Through “FUNGA” Campaign
The United Nations Biodiversity has initiated a campaign urging the global community to incorporate the term “funga” alongside “flora and fauna” to emphasize the significance of fungi.
Recognizing fungi’s essential role in ecosystems, the UN aims to elevate fungi’s importance to the same level as plants and animals in conservation efforts. This initiative highlights the impact of language on shaping perceptions and policy decisions.
Two years ago, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) also endorsed “mycologically inclusive” language in its communications.
Fungi are integral to life on Earth, supporting processes such as decomposition, forest regeneration, and nutrient cycling.
By integrating “funga” into everyday discourse and educational materials, the UN Biodiversity aims to promote awareness and protection of fungi in the global web of life.
8. Assam’s Longest Nilachal Flyover Inaugurated
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled the Nilachal Flyover, the state’s longest flyover measuring 2.63 kilometers, connecting Maligaon Chariali to Kamakhya Gate in Guwahati.
Constructed at a cost of ₹420.75 crore, the project was completed within 35 months by Shree Gautam Construction Co Ltd and Anupam Nirman Pvt Ltd. The flyover addresses traffic congestion in Guwahati and aims to facilitate smoother commuting for the region’s residents.
Sarma expressed gratitude to the public for their support during construction and highlighted the collaborative efforts of various departments and firms. He also shared plans for more infrastructure development, including flyovers, bridges, and a ropeway project connecting Kamakhya Railway Station with Maa Kamakhya Temple.
